The Colorado Avalanche could have a major problem brewing with the number of players that must clear waivers for the first time this season.
According to a list published by PuckPedia, over 100 players must clear waivers for the first time in their careers this season. Among the lot, the Avs have six players who will need to pass through undetected.
Given how deep the roster is, there won’t be nearly enough room to keep all six on the active roster. So, there’s a good chance that a couple may become casualties of the waiver wire.
Let’s take a closer look.
Zakhar Bardakov
Here is a familiar name. He’s technically on this list, though he isn’t going to play in the NHL this season. After falling out of the lineup after 60 total games at the NHL level, Bardakov signed with SKA St. Petersburg this summer.
Should he ever return to North America, the Avalanche would hold his rights. He’ll also need to clear waivers if Colorado wants to send him down to the AHL.
Domenick Fensore
Fensore is a former third-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes. He is a defenseman with all of three games of NHL experience. He’s most likely earmarked for the Colorado Eagles this season.
The Avs signed him as a UFA after the Hurricanes did not extend him a qualifying offer (QO) this summer. Since he’s on a one-year deal, he’ll likely get one chance to make an impression on the organization.
It’s worth noting that the 5’9” 174-pound blueliner scored 10 goals and 35 points in 60 games with the Chicago Wolves last season.
It’s very likely he clears waivers when he’s eventually sent down. He’ll be at camp, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll get a chance to crack the NHL roster.
Zachary L’Heureux
L’Heureux is one name we’ve discussed extensively. He should make the team as a fourth-liner. Barring an awful training camp, he’s pretty much a lock to make the team.
If the Avalanche ever decided to send him down, it’s unlikely he’d clear. That’s why, if the Avalanche are sold on keeping him, he’ll have to make the squad or risk losing him for nothing.
Fedor Svechkov
Svechkov is another guy that’s unlikely to hit the waiver wire. It would have to take an overly impressive camp by a dark horse and an awful showing from Svechkov to see his name hit the wire. If the Avalanche didn’t want him, for whatever reason, it’s more than likely they would try to trade him than lose the 23-year-old for nothing.
Tristen Nielsen
Nielsen will be at camp this fall, but it seems like a long shot to make the team. He’s the sort of guy who’s been a reliable piece for the Eagles, but doesn’t seem to have much of a chance to stick with the main club.
While there is a chance for Nielsen as, say, the 13th forward, he’s most likely destined for the AHL. He should clear, unless he has a standout camp and another team suddenly finds itself absolutely desperate for depth.
Fabian Lysell
Lysell has to be the most intriguing of the group. He’s a former first-round pick looking for a real shot at the NHL. I can’t see him clearing waivers. Just about any team looking for a decent forward prospect could use him.
Rebuilding teams like the San Jose Sharks or the Vancouver Canucks could find him useful, particularly since they could offer a regular lineup spot.
My sense is that Lysell could make the team as the 13th forward, unless a guy like L’Heureux somehow falls out of favor.
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